The agony and the ecstasy of our modern world.  

If you had to pick a single musical work to reflect the energy, chaos and trauma of the 20th century, you could do a lot worse than Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End of Time’. This is chamber music at its most dramatic and unfiltered.  

Messiaen's transcendental quartet was written in 1941, while the composer was interned at a Nazi prisoner of war camp. It was premiered by fellow inmates to an audience of about 400 prisoners and guards, outside, in the rain. Messiaen later said of the premiere: "Never was I listened to with such rapt attention and comprehension".  

To perform this harrowing epic, the Collective are joined by musical treasure Kathryn Stott on the piano. Kathy, perhaps best known for her celebrated collaborations with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, will perform Caroline Shaw’s exquisite ‘Gustav le Gray’ alongside the Chopin mazurka that inspired the piece.   

If you’re familiar with this work, you know what all the fuss is about. If it’s your first time – you’ve got a hell of a ride ahead of you.   

PROGRAMME  
Nicola Matteis Alia Fantasia  
Caroline Shaw Gustave le Gray  
Frédéric Chopin Mazurka in A minor, Op. 17 No. 4  
Olivier Messiaen Theme and Variations  
Olivier Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time  

Rakhi Singh Violin  
Nick Trygstad Cello  
Sergio Castelló López Clarinet  
Kathryn Stott Piano 

Approximate runtime with interval: 115 minutes 

ABOUT MANCHESTER COLLECTIVE  
Known for their experimental programming, daring collaborations and engaging performances, Manchester Collective perform a combination of cutting-edge contemporary music, classical masterpieces and staged work in spaces ranging from concert halls to warehouses, nightclubs to festivals. New music and collaboration are of vital importance to the Collective; they commission and present work by some of today’s most exciting artistic voices, crossing different genres and artforms. 

manchestercollective.co.uk/time  

TICKETS:
£20 or FREE for students and ages 16 & under. 

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